supuesto
/soo-PWEHS-toh/
assumption
This foundational pedestal represents the 'supuesto' (assumption) upon which a situation or plan begins.
supuesto(Noun)
📝 In Action
Partimos del supuesto de que todos los invitados vendrán.
B2We're starting from the assumption that all the guests will come.
En el supuesto de que llueva, cancelaremos el picnic.
B1In the event that it rains, we will cancel the picnic.
💡 Grammar Points
A Special Verb Form for Hypotheticals
The phrase 'en el supuesto de que' (in the event that) signals a hypothetical situation. Because it's not a fact, the verb that follows often changes into a special 'what if' form called the subjunctive. For example: 'En el supuesto de que venga...' (In the event that he comes...).
⭐ Usage Tips
Your Go-To for 'Of Course'
The phrase 'por supuesto' is your best friend for agreeing enthusiastically. Use it just like you'd use 'of course!' or 'definitely!' in English. For example: '¿Quieres venir al cine?' '¡Por supuesto!'
The obscured figure represents the 'supuesto' (alleged or supposed) subject whose identity or status is not yet proven.
supuesto(Adjective)
📝 In Action
La policía detuvo al supuesto ladrón.
B2The police arrested the alleged thief.
El supuesto acuerdo nunca se firmó.
B2The supposed agreement was never signed.
Hablamos sobre las supuestas ventajas del nuevo sistema.
C1We talked about the supposed advantages of the new system.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjectives Must Match
Like most Spanish adjectives, 'supuesto' changes to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'supuesto' for masculine things ('el supuesto ladrón') and 'supuesta' for feminine things ('la supuesta causa'). It also becomes plural: 'los supuestos expertos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting to Match Gender
Mistake: "La supuesto razón es complicada."
Correction: La supuesta razón es complicada. Because 'razón' (reason) is a feminine word, the adjective describing it must also be feminine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Doubt
Using 'supuesto' as an adjective often hints that you're skeptical or that the information isn't confirmed. It's like putting 'so-called' or 'alleged' in front of a word in English to show it's not a proven fact.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: supuesto
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'supuesto' to mean 'alleged' or 'unproven'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'por supuesto' and 'claro'?
They are very similar and often interchangeable for 'of course'. 'Claro' can feel a bit more like 'right' or 'clear', while 'por supuesto' is a strong 'absolutely' or 'naturally'. You can't go wrong using either to agree with someone.
Is 'supuesto' related to 'presupuesto' (budget)?
Yes, they are related! A 'presupuesto' (budget) is a 'pre-supposition'—an assumption you make beforehand about how much money you will need or spend. Both words come from the same idea of 'supposing'.
Can I use 'supuesto' to start a sentence?
Yes, but it's usually part of a longer phrase. You can say 'Por supuesto, tienes razón' ('Of course, you're right') or 'Supuesto que sí' (a more emphatic 'Of course'). However, simply starting with 'Supuesto...' on its own is not common.